Winter Olympics 2026: With “indescribable” feeling back on Olympic ice, Alysa Liu is third after short program
The Winter Olympics feel totally different for Alysa Liu as she makes her return to the Olympic stage. The reigning world champion skated with palpable joy on Tuesday night, scoring a personal-best 76.59 to place third after the short program at Milano Cortina 2026.
At just 20, Liu has had quite a journey since her stunning Olympic debut at 16 in 2022. After briefly stepping away from the sport, stating she had lost her love for figure skating, Liu’s return over the last two seasons has reignited her passion for the ice. “It’s indescribable,” she shared, reflecting on her growth since then. “Genuinely it would take an entire movie to explain.”
Liu captivated the enthusiastic crowd at the Milano Ice Skating Arena as she performed “Promise,” showcasing a difficult triple Lutz-triple toe-loop combination that thrilled the audience. She continued her routine with ease, executing a triple flip and double Axel, earning Level 4s on all of her spins and step sequences.
With Japan’s Nakai Ami leading at 78.71 and three-time world champion Sakamoto Kaori in second place with 77.23, Liu’s performance sets her up for an exciting podium conversation on Thursday night, especially after her stunning win at the 2025 World Championships in Boston, where she made history as the first U.S. woman to claim the title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
Post-performance, Liu was visibly supportive of her American teammates. Watching Isabeau Levito timed to see her skate from backstage, she laughed as she mentioned being shooed away by usher. “I really wanted to watch Isabeau; I wanted to see it happening live,” she remarked, indicating her desire to cheer for her fellow competitors.
Liu’s American team involves three-time national champion Amber Glenn, who opened her performance with an impressive triple Axel but stumbled on her final jump, dropping her to 13th place. Levito currently holds eighth.
Describing their bond, Liu noted, “We support each other so much off and on the ice.” The trio affectionately calls themselves the “Blade Angels,” becoming a sensation online for their camaraderie and unique personalities.
